2017 petroleum block offer launched

What happened

Energy Minister Judith Collins launched Block Offer 2017, tendering petroleum exploration permits across ~482,000 km² including new onshore Southland and near-shore Hawke's Bay areas.

Why it matters

Active promotion of new fossil exploration despite Paris commitments.

Impact assessment

Encourages new fossil exploration and lock-in risk; only one permit granted that cycle.

Limitations: Global oil price downturn reduced industry uptake.

Attribution

sole (high confidence) -National

Ministerial block-offer decision and launch.

Coalition period: National-led government (ACT confidence & supply) (20 September 2014 - 26 October 2017)

Categories

Sources

• RNZ - Govt hopes for more oil and gas exploration
• NZPAM - Block Offer 2017